2003 Lexus IS300 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 IS300 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM53439U)

1.
FOREWORD
i
Congratulations on your selection of this Lexus. In Lexus vehicles we ha\
ve invested all our engineering and design resources; a
ll
the know± how we have gained in over 60 years of making automobiles; the\
highest motivation of our most talented employees; and
our tradition of incessant striving toward ever greater quality.
This Owner's Manual explains the features of your new Lexus. Please read it and fol\
low the instructions carefully so that you can
enjoy many years of safe motoring.
When it comes to service, remember that your Lexus dealer knows your vehicle bes\
t and is interested in your complete satisfaction.
Your Lexus dealer will provide quality maintenance and any other assistan\
ce you may require.
If there is not a Lexus dealer near you, or you need emergency assistanc\
e for any reason, please call the following number:
U.S. OWNERS

When traveling in the U.S. mainland or Canada:
Lexus Roadside Assistance 1±800±25±LEXUS (Toll±Free)
(1±800±255±3987)

HAWAII:
Lexus Customer Service Assistance 1±800±25±LEXUS (Toll±Free)
(1±800±255±3987)
CANADIAN OWNERS
When traveling in Canada or the U.S. mainland:
Lexus Roadside Assistance/Customer Service 1±800±26±LEXUS (Toll±Free)
(1±800±265±3987)
Please leave this Owner's Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next owner will nee\
d this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time o\
f printing. However, because of the Lexus policy
of continual product improvement, we reserve the right to make changes a\
t any time without notice.
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equi\
pment, including options. Therefore, you may find
some explanations for equipment not installed on your vehicle.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

2.
INTRODUCTION
ii
New vehicle warranty
Your new vehicle is covered by the following Lexus limited
warranties:

New vehicle warranty

Emission control systems warranty

Others
For further information, please refer to the ºOwner's Guideº,
ºOwner's Manual Supplementº or ºWarranty Bookletº.
Your responsibility for maintenance
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure the specified
maintenance is performed. Section 5 of this Owner's Manual
gives details of these maintenance requirements. Included in
Section 6 is general maintenance. For scheduled
maintenance information, pl ease refer to the ºOwner's Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenanceº.
Accessories, spare parts and modification of
your Lexus
A wide variety of non±genuine spare parts and accessories for
Lexus vehicles are currently available in the market. You
should know that Toyota does not warrant these products and
is not responsible for their performance, repair, or
replacement, or for any damage they may cause to, or adverse
effect they may have on, your Lexus vehicle. This vehicle should not be modified with non±genuine Lexus
products. Modification with non±genuine Lexus products
could af
fect its performance, safety or durability, and may even
violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or
performance problems re sulting from the modification may not
be covered under warranty.
Spark ignition system of your Lexus
The spark ignition system in your Lexus meets all
requirements of the Canadian Interference±Causing
Equipment Standard.
Installation of a mobile two±way radio system
As the installation of a mobile two±way radio system in your
vehicle could affect electronic systems such as the multiport
fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel injection system,
cruise control system, anti±lock brake system, SRS airbag
system and seat belt pretensioner system, be sure to check
with your Lexus dealer for precautionary measures or special
instructions regarding installation.
Scrapping of your Lexus
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your
Lexus contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped
with the airbags and seat belt pretensioners left as they are,
this may cause an accident such as fire. Be sure to have the
systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner removed
and disposed of by a qualified service shop or by your Lexus
dealer before you scrap your vehicle.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

3.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
iii
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
The contents of this manual are explained briefly on this
page to help you make the best use of the manual. Please
read this page and the rest of the Owner's Manual
carefully to make sure you fully understand the operation
of your vehicle.
This will help you enjoy safe and comfortable driving.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The table of contents and the pictorial index provide easy
reference to the appropriate pages.
BASIC OPERATION ± QUICK REFERENCE
Operation of basic equipment is briefly explained in an easily
understandable way for quick reference.
SECTION 1 ± INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
The vehicle's equipment is divided into the 7 groups listed
below. Use of the equipment is explained, including any points
you should pay particular attention to.
1. Keys and doors
2. Switches
3. Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators
4. Interior equipment
5. Exterior equipment
6. Comfort adjustment
7. Theft deterrent
SECTION 2 ± AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
The features of the vehicle's air conditioning and audio are
explained in detail. Be sure to read this section so that you can
make full use of them.
SECTION 3 ± STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting the engine, driving, stopping, operation of features
affecting vehicle handling, hints on vehicle safety and safe
driving techniques are all explained. Please read everything
in this section, and remember ± drive safely!
SECTION 4 ± IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
This section explains what to do in the event of an urgent
situation such as the engine not starting or getting a flat tire,
etc. If such a problem occurs, check the contents of this
Owner's Manual and follow the instructions given.
SECTION 5 ± MAINTENANCE
This section explains the importance of regular maintenance.
Regular and periodic inspection and maintenance of your
Lexus will help to keep your vehicle in its best condition.
SECTION 6 ± SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Simple maintenance procedure and service data are provided
here for your reference should you wish to perform inspection
and maintenance yourself.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

4.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
iv
INDEX
The page number is listed for each item in the Owner's Manual
so that you can rapidly find the item and page you are
searching for.
GAS STATION INFORMATION
The information you need to know for appropriate servicing at
the gas station is provided here.
QUICK INDEX
This is designed so that you can quickly find the needed
information when an urgent situation arises.
Safety symbol
In this manual, you will also see a circle with a slash through
it. This means ºDo notº, ºDo not do thisº, or ºDo not le\
t this
happenº.
Safety and vehicle damage warnings
In this manual you will see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings.
These are used in the following ways:
CAUTION
This is a warning against anything which may cause
injury to people if the warning is ignored. You are
informed about what you must or must not do in order
to reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others.
NOTICE
This is a warning against anything which may causedamage to the vehicle or its equipment if the warning isignored. You are informed about what you must or must
not do in order to avoid or reduce the risk of damage to your Lexus and its equipment.
Your Lexus Owner's Manual provides you with a
considerable amount of information. To use this
information most effectively, please take the time to
familiarize yourself with the contents and use of the
manual.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

5.
SVPC020
PICTORIAL INDEX
v
INSTRUMENT PANEL
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

6.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
vi
Page
1Power door lock switch and power window switches 21, 35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Power rear view mirror control switches 107 . . . . . .
3Rear fog light switch 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Headlight cleaner switch 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Headlight, turn signal and fog light
switch 28, 30, 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6Transmission shift switches 234
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Instrument panel light control 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Cruise control switch 241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Wiper and washer switches 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10Ignition switch 227
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Emergency flasher switch 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Outside temperature display/Clock 59
. . . . . . . . . . . .
13Front passenger's seat belt reminder light 47 . . . . . Page
14Automatic air conditioning controls
180
. . . . . . . . . .
15Car audio 194
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Seat heater switches 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17Glove box 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18Parking brake lever 228
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Driving pattern selector switch
(Automatic transmission) 230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20Ashtray 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
21Cigarette lighter 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22Automatic transmission selector lever/
Manual transmission gear shift lever 230, 239 . . . . .
23Traction control system off/Snow mode
switch (Manual transmission) 244 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Hood lock release lever 82
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

7.
SVPC016
PICTORIAL INDEX
vii
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Vehicles sold in U. S. A.)
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

8.
For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viii
Page
1Tachometer43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Headlight high beam indicator light 30
. . . . . . . . . . .
3Low engine oil level warning light 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Vehicle skid control system warning light 51 . . . . . .
5Turn signal indicator lights 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6Cruise control indicator light 241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Momentary fuel consumption meter 42. . . . . . . . . . .
8Voltmeter42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Automatic headlight leveling system warning
light 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
10Engine coolant temperature gauge 41
. . . . . . . . . . . .
11Anti±lock brake system warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . .
12Malfunction indicator lamp 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Fuel gauge 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14Low fuel level warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Odometer and trip meter 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Power mode indicator light 232
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
17Snow mode indicator light
232
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18ODO/TRIP knob 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Automatic transmission indicator lights 230 . . . . . .
20M mode indicator 233
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Gear position indicator for manual control 233 . . . .
22Discharge warning light 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23Rear light failure warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Security indicator light 176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Traction control system
off indicator/warning light 51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26Low engine oil pressure warning light 48
. . . . . . . . .
27Slip indicator light 244
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Brake system warning light 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29SRS warning light 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30Open door warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Driver's seat belt reminder light 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)